Characterization of electrostatic charges of fungal spores and their impact on spore viability

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This application aims to investigate tribocharging behaviours of fungal spores and their impact on spore viability and stability. Novozymes BioAg Limited, the industrial partner, is a leader in making microbial based fertilizer, biocontrol, and bioyield enhancer products. The active ingredients of their products are often fungal spores, microbial organisms of small sizes. During the whole production cycle, fungal spores frequently contact with process devices. Due to different work functions of spores and their contact surfaces, a contact charging or tribocharging phenomenon is inevitable. As a result, fungal spores will carry charges to some extent while the contact counterpart will be charged oppositely. Significant charges could damage the spore membrane, resulting in a loss of spore viability and stability. However, there is a dearth of knowledge related to the impact of processing-induced electrostatic charges on surface fermented spores. In view of this knowledge gap, the proposed project aims to establish an advanced understanding of electrostatic charges and their impact on spore viability and stability. To realize the research goals, two specific tasks are planned and will be completed in the proposed project. In brief, particle size and electrostatic charge measurement will be done in the first half project duration (Task 1). In Task 2, viability and stability tests will be correlated with electrostatic charge measurements. Successful execution of this research will lead to new knowledge of handling fungal spores pertinent to the current commercial processes. Based on such much-needed knowledge, there is great potential for guiding new process development. The proposed research will also enhance and facilitate generation of HQPs with developed expertise and skills needed for agriculture and other relevant industries.